Brewing in a bucket.

[Neesam43]

Hi I've set some lager off in a bucket without an airlock fitted. Now the lid is starting to swell. Should I have fitted and airlock and is there a chance the lid will pop off

 

[graysalchemy]

Just crack the lid open a little the gas needs to escape. Personally I never use an airlock on beer. :thumb:

 

[Tarticus]

Just crack the lid a little bit to allow for gas to escape, there is no need for a airlock on beer, I have never used one.

I just put lid on snap shut all round then just lift a section up, after a few days when the fermentation has settled down a bit you can seal the lid back up if worried, if you see it bulging just release the pressure

 

[Will12283]

It depends on what fv you have. I bought 2 from wilkinson and they need to be opened just a little, while the 1 I got from the homebrew company didn't (this one clicks on but it's not as tight a seal).

But if you are that worried its easy enough to put an airlock on :thumb:

 

[Neesam43]

Yer it's just a one that I got from wilkinsons so I'll just crack the lid off to release the pressure and reseal it.
Thanks.

 

[Will12283]

I have found that the wilko ones seal better then the more expensive one from homebrew company

 

[Steve]

I don't use an airlock and always fully clip the lid on. If you are worried about the bulging lid then try pressing down gently on it. If the CO2 hisses out quite easily then don't worry however if it's quite difficult to release the pressure then crack the lid instead.

I like the bulging lid as it's a nice indicator of the level of ferment activity without taking the lid off, a quick press down of the lid then the longer it takes to form a dome again the nearer it's coming to the end of ferment. When it fails to form a dome again then there's just the last few gravity points to go.

 

[glynb]

That's just answered a question of mine, I've been using an airlock and the froth is coming through it. I've just opened the lid a tiny bit for the gas to escape :thumb:

 

[neddy]

I have the wilko bucket and I have always kept lid closed and touch wood not had an issue. As Steve said its a good indication with fermentation as it bulges and when fermenting comes to an end it in dents. I do have another bucket with airlock but I tend not to use this so much as its too tall for my fermenting fridge

 

[kentmark]

+1 for steve's answer, exactly what i do with my youngs fvs, not had any problems yet.

 

[iceo]

I use 2 12L ground bait buckets (well cleaned ) with lids no air lock . Done a few wow's cider and beer kits with no problem . I'm using a pressure barrel as a fv bat the mo with the cap just placed on.

 

[oldjiver]

I keep my lid on AND put a plastic bin liner over the whole FV held in place by an elastic band. (knicker elastic). Although gas can travel through plastic, the bag keeps the atmosphere inside pretty stable.